The 2009 Barbaresco Santo Stefano is a big improvement over the 2008, although it still isn?t up to the level of the best wines that emerged from this historic cellar in Neive over the last four decades. Crushed flowers, tobacco, cloves and sweet dried cherries are all woven together nicely. Overall, the 2009 is a pretty Barbaresco with lovely mid-palate pliancy and fine overall harmony. The balance of fruit, acidity and tannin is solid. Stylistically, it is a fairly light to medium-bodied wine with much more near-term appeal than potential for aging. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019. Score: 89 Points Antonio Galloni